JSerra edges Segerstrom in season opener

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – A case could be made for Mater Dei and Servite both being preseason favorites to win the Trinity League championship.

The Monarchs made only allowed three goals during the month-long Foothill Summer League in July. And Servite returns a talented group of players from last years league championship-winning lineup.

But the boys soccer team that once dominated the Trinity League appears to be returning to old form: JSerra

Despite missing three starters here on Monday, the host Lions scored two second half goals to edge Segerstrom, 3-2, showing off the speed up top and size in the defensive third that should make them legitimate contender in the Trinity League.

Jonathan Fabulich and Alex Duarte both sat out with knee injuries suffered during the Far West Regionals Finals. JSerra coach Davor Fabulich said Jonathan Fabulich shouldn’t be out for too long and might be ready to go by the weekend.

Defender Greg Bucilla was watching from the bench too. A conflicting commitment, Fabulich said kept Bucilla out of the game.

“I liked some of out touches today,” JSerra coach Davor Fabulich said. “We had a lot of injuries this past weekend (in club games). But I am looking forward to it. It should be a good year.”

The Lions have added Ivan Canales, a transfer from Santa Ana who has been on the U-15 National Camp roster as a midfielder.

He’s a versatile player, Fabulich said, one that can play up top, in the midfield or even back on defense.

“He can fill any role for us, but right now I see him playing midfield,” Fabulich said.

And he immediately made an impact for his new team, drawing a foul in the penalty area in the 24th minute. He blasted his free kick low and to the left while the Jaguars’ keeper dived to his right to give JSerra a 1-0 lead.

It lasted for all of five minutes until Segerstrom junior forward Edson Nunez volleyed the ball over Michael Cahill’s head as he slid to try and make the save for JSerra.

Adrian Avila setup the goal with his cross to the penalty spot. He also scored in the 75th minute, to bring Segerstrom to with a goal of JSerra, 3-2.

“This team has got to work hard as soon as they (JSerra’s players) are done with their club stuff. Hopefully, they will come in in decent shape,” Fabulich said. “I know Servite and Mater Dei are going to be good, but I think we will be right there competing for the top spot.”